An Accessible Outdoor Experience
Explore Nature | Create New Friendships
– Saturday July 27th, 2024 | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm MDT –
– Meyers Gulch Trailhead, Boulder, CO –
About
Join us for the 2024 Annual Audio Trekker Hike! Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable accessible adventure. This in-person event will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 08:00 AM in the stunning Meyers Gulch Trailhead, located on Flagstaff Road in beautiful Boulder, CO, USA.
“I lost my job last year during Covid. I wanted to work again, but kept getting nowhere. Standing on the summit motivated me not to give up and two weeks afterwards I received a job offer.”
-Scott
“I am a Colorado native and have never hiked before. The hike inspired me to embrace a healthier lifestyle so that next year I will make it to the summit!”
– Melissa
“I am a stroke survivor and have felt completely alone for a long time. I used to be active, but the stroke took so much from me. The hike changed me and how I look at what I still can do. I am now a volunteer at my stroke rehabilitation center supporting new stroke survivors on their way back.”
– Kijuana
Join the Team
This hike is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this event promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience. Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the trail and soak in the sunshine of a Colorado day.
During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow hikers, share stories, and make new friends. It’s a great chance to network and build lasting relationships within the accessible hiking community. So, grab your friends, family, or furry companions and embark on this incredible journey together!
Volunteer
We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help create an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants.
Whether you’re guiding hikers, offering medical support, or helping with event logistics, your contribution is invaluable. Volunteers not only empower hikers to overcome challenges but also have the opportunity to form lasting connections, experience personal growth, and inspire the entire community.
Please note, a background check is required for all volunteers to ensure a safe and secure event for everyone involved.
Apply to Volunteer
- Sighted Guides
- Certified EMTs and Medical Professionals
- General Volunteers
Sponsor
Aftersight has been empowering Coloradans who are blind or have low vision for over 30 years, thanks to our generous sponsors. Join us in “Bringing Print to Life” and connecting with the great outdoors through the Aftersight Audio Trekkers event. Choose from our sponsorship tiers, or make in-kind donations. We welcome items like trekking poles, apparel, snacks, etc.
Sponsor
Summit ($10,000): Interview on podcast, blog post, 10 hikers, and more…
Treeline ($5,000): Blog post, 6 hikers, and more…
Switchback ($2,500): 4 hikers, social media post, and more…
Trailhead ($500): 1 hiker, social media post, and more…
Donate
Support the journey. Your donation directly impacts participants, allowing everyone the chance to experience the beauty of nature. With $50, you can sponsor one hiker’s adventure, covering their registration and support for the hike. A generous gift of $100 sponsors a hiker and their sighted guide, ensuring both can fully engage in this unique outdoor experience. Each contribution brings us closer to a world where everyone can explore without limits.
Schedule
8:00 am: Carpool: If you need a ride, carpools will meet and leave from Aftersight Studios at 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder CO. Otherwise, meet at the trailhead at 8:45.
8:45 am: Trailhead Check in and Breakfast. If you need a ride, carpools will meet and leave from Aftersight Studios at 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder CO. Otherwise, meet at the trailhead at 8:45.
9:30 am: Hit the Trail
9:30 am – 10:00 am: Nature Bathing Session #1 (Hike Alternative)
Noon-12:30 pm: Nature Bathing Session #2 (First come first serve)
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm: Celebration Lunch
Other Information
About the Trail
- 5 miles total (2.5 miles each way). Considered moderate difficulty.
- Restroom is available at the trailhead.
- Parking is available at the Meyers Gulch Trailhead. If it’s full, try the Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead
Safety Tips:
- Prevent your dogs and pets from eating vegetation in the area, especially mushrooms, as they can be poisonous. Look out for Mushroom toxicity in your animal companions, including vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, excessive drooling, jaundice, or weakness, and symptoms may show up anywhere between 30 minutes and several hours after ingestion.
- Pair up with a hiking buddy, and stay on the designated trail.
- Don’t hike too quickly. Pace yourself so you’ll have enough energy for the home stretch.
- Drink and bring plenty of water, wear and reapply sunscreen often, and wear head protection like a baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
- Do not approach wildlife, or let your pets run or interact with wildlife.
- Bears and Mountain Lions live in this area. Review safety basics when encountering these animals, and keep these basics in mind: Make noise during your hike to avoid sneaking up on an animal. Keep your pets, guide dogs, and children close. Don’t hike alone. If you encounter a bear or mountain lion, don’t run – avert your gaze, stand tall, and back away.
- There may be ticks in this area – if you find a tick on yourself, your child, or your animal companion – remove and disinfect the site. Consult a physician if rashes or lesions occur.
- Review more safety tips from the National Park Service
Learn more about the Meyers Homestead Trail on Alltrails.com
Guide Dog and White Cane Etiquette
Many attendees will be accompanied by their guide dogs and using white canes. Please follow these etiquette tips:
- Do Not Distract: Do not touch, feed, or interact with guide dogs.
- Always Ask First: If you want to pet a guide dog, ask the handler for permission.
- Mind Children and Pets: Ensure children and pets do not approach guide dogs.
- Speak to the Handler: Address the person, not the dog.
- Offer Support and Wait for Direction: Many people who are blind do not need support. Ask what support is needed.
- Do Not Grab: Never grab the dog’s leash, collar, harness, or a person’s white cane.
- Respect Directions: Do not try to direct the guide dog.
FAQ’s
